Jessica Andrews: Evolving

At age 10, big-voiced singer Jessica Andrews won a talent contest in her hometown singing Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You". Now 19, the modern country singer lists Reba McEntire and Whitney as her biggest career influences and she's come a long way in a very short time. Jessica had a big chart breakthrough with 2001's "Who I Am" and won the Academy of Country Music's Top New Female Vocalist award. She's been in concert with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill (whom she sounds a bit like) and Trisha Yearwood. She's as comfortable with a rock ballad as a country anthem.

On the 15th, her new, very evolved album "Now" hits stores. Her lyrics are more adult and edgy as is her dramatic black and white music video for the single "There's More to Me Than You", a liberation tune shot around California's stark Joshua Tree area. In the video, Jessica meets herself at the end, a symbol of the singer's new, adult awareness. Always a beauty with long, raven hair, Jessica is now sporting a new short cut which her boyfriend, singer/songwriter Marcel likes just fine. In addition to "More to Me Than You", Jessica wrote a playful tune called "Good Time" for the CD which she claims is just about a fun girls' night out. Many of her songs are full of hope for all mankind and about reaching for good relationships. Something we can all relate to.

Chatting with Jessica was like talking to a pal. She was home in Nashville and, in a soft southern accent, talked comfortably about her past, present and her future dreams.

TeenMusic: You've said this new album represents a new you. How so? What has changed in your life?

Jessica: I feel like so many changes have happened in my life. I have a whole new perspective on life. I moved out on my own this year. I met someone that I really enjoy spending time with. I have a whole new perspective on life in general.

TeenMusic: How did you get your first break?

Jessica: I was discovered through my producer Byron Gallimore (who also worked with Tim McGraw). He and I are from the same part of Tennessee and a woman who used to go to church with him when they were younger, sang back-up in my band. She called him up and said 'hey, remember me?'. I think she contacted his mom and she called Byron and said 'there's this little girl around here who is pretty good. You should hear her'. We ended up making an appointment and I went to Nashville and sang for him and he wanted to work with me. Up until then it was word of mouth around my home town and playing places, anywhere and everywhere I could. My mom was on the verge of taking me to Nashville and knocking on doors and saying 'hey, listen to my daughter'. Everything happens for a reason.. a lot of word of mouth. Get out there and work it.

TeenMusic: How would you describe your sound?

Jessica: Everything I've ever listened to compiled into one thing. I think it's got a little bit of everything on my record. You can hear country within me. You can hear R&B and Soul. You can hear Rock 'n Roll. I've been influenced by a lot of different people.

TeenMusic: What is your songwriting process?

Jessica: I get inspired to write by a lot of different ways. I can be reading an e-mail from a friend, listening to something on television or watching a movie and I get some ideas. Sometimes, I just get a melody that comes to me when I am working around the house.

TeenMusic: You've said music is a healing force. When has it healed you?

Jessica: Music is like therapy for me. I feel like when I am angry, sad or troubled, music helps me overcome things.

TeenMusic: You've been on t.v. ("Tuscon") Any interest in acting in t.v.and films?

Jessica: Oh yeah. I've expressed an interest in acting from day one. I don't think it's my main focus yet. Obviously my music is my main focus right now and I've established myself in country music so that's going to come later and I'm going to go for that just as hard as I have my music when it's time.

TeenMusic: We know you are seeing Marcel. What is your idea of what to do on the perfect date?

Jessica: A nice dinner somewhere or maybe he cooks for me. Actually a picnic somewhere would be amazing. Make dinner and take it up in the woods on a beautiful day or underneath the stars with like your radio in the car playing soft music in the background.

TeenMusic: In one article you said you would love to do a duet with Sting. He's great but why him in particular?

Jessica: I just love him. I think he's one of the most amazingly talented people there is. He's such a great writer and lyricist, musician. Everything about him I really respect and I love his songs. I think if we found the right song it would be amazing to sing a duet with him. I could totally sing one of his songs with him but I would like to have an original song and collaborate with him on one. I just think he's brilliant. He's a unique individual.

TeenMusic: What is in your CD player right now?

Jessica: I'm listening to the new Christina Aguilera record and the new Tim McGraw album and The Corrs.

TeenMusic: Favorite Current artists?

Jessica: A lot. It really depends on the song. I like John Mayer. I like Norah Jones a lot. I like Christina's record a lot.

TeenMusic: Have you been to any concerts lately...who?

Jessica: Just two nights ago I went to Tim McGraw's. And a few weeks before that I saw Bon Jovi. Those are the last two I've seen. They were great, I was very impressed.

TeenMusic: What advice would you give to talented teens who want to be in the business?

Jessica: It comes down to one thing and that's dedication. If you've got your mind set on it, I believe it takes one hundred percent dedication and focus and hard work. You have to know within you this is what you want to do and give it everything you've got. It'll be hard but you've got to believe in yourself. Believe that you are great, that good things are going to happen and they will. It's all about your positive outlook on things.

TeenMusic: Anything you want to say to your fans or potential fans out there?

Jessica: I would like to say thank you all for sticking with me and staying interested in what I do and being fans of my music. This is the beginning of the journey for me and I want to be sharing it with them for a long time.

Check out Jessica's Website

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Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.